What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Georgia

You can change your address on a Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing. The online route is faster but only works if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and if you have not changed your address more than once in the past 12 months.

Georgia does not mail you a new physical license when you change your address online — your record updates in the system, but your current card remains valid. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you must go to a DDS office in person and pay the replacement fee.

You have no legal important date to update your address after you move, but driving with an address that does not match your actual residence can complicate traffic stops, insurance claims, and vehicle registration renewals. It is safer to update it within 30 days of moving.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes are free and take minutes, but do not produce a new physical card with your updated address printed on it.
  • In-person address changes at a DDS office are also free and produce a new card, but require a trip and a wait.
  • You can only change your address online if your license is current and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months.
  • A replacement card with your new address costs $20 if you request one at a DDS office during an in-person visit.
  • Georgia does not require you to update your address by a specific date, but doing so within 30 days of moving is standard practice.

Changing Your Address Online Through Georgia DDS

Visit the Georgia DDS website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select the option to update your address. Enter your new residential address and confirm it. The system will update your record when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.

This method works only if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address within the past 12 months, and you have a valid email address on file. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must visit a DDS office in person.

After you change your address online, your old physical card remains valid for identification and driving purposes. Your new address will appear in the DDS system and on any documents the state issues to you going forward. However, the card itself will still show your old address until you request a replacement.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DDS Office

Bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your new address to any DDS office. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the past 60 days. Your name on the proof document must match your name on your license.

Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you need to change your address, and hand over your license and proof document. The clerk will update your record in the system at no cost. If you want a new physical card with your updated address printed on it, you will pay a $20 replacement fee at that time. The new card is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. You do not need an appointment for an address change.

Documents and Proof of Address Requirements

Georgia requires one document that shows your new address and matches the name on your driver's license. The document must be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or official government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

If your name on your proof document does not exactly match your license name, bring a second document showing both names — for example, a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without a matching name, the DDS office cannot process your address change.

If you do not have a document dated within the past 60 days, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank to issue a new statement. Most will do this at no cost. Alternatively, you can request a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your name and current work address, though this is less commonly accepted than utility bills or lease agreements.

Fees and Replacement Card Costs

Changing your address in the DDS system costs nothing, whether you do it online or in person. You only pay money if you request a new physical card with your updated address printed on it. That replacement card costs $20 and is mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you change your address online, you do not receive a new card unless you later visit a DDS office and pay the $20 fee. Your old card remains valid for driving and identification; the address on it does not affect your legal status or driving privileges. Many people change their address online and never order a replacement card.

Payment at a DDS office is cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at all locations, so bring cash or a debit card to be safe.

What Happens If You Move Out of State

If you move to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state within the timeframe required by that state's law — typically 30 to 60 days. You cannot straightforward change your address on your Georgia license to an out-of-state address. Your Georgia license becomes invalid for driving in your new state once you become a resident there.

Before you surrender your Georgia license, check whether your new state offers any reciprocal recognition or grace period. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for a short time while you transition. Contact the DMV in your new state to confirm their requirements before you move.

If you move temporarily — for example, for a job that lasts less than a year — you may be able to keep your Georgia license and update your address to a temporary address. However, if you establish residency in the new state (such as registering to vote or registering a vehicle there), you are legally required to obtain that state's license.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is attempting an online address change when you are not may be able to access. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, the online system will reject your request. If you have changed your address within the past 12 months, you cannot use the online method. Check your may be able to access before you start; if you are not may be able to access, go to a DDS office instead.

Another frequent error is bringing proof of address that does not match your license name. If your name on your lease or utility bill is spelled differently or includes a middle initial that does not appear on your license, the DDS office will ask you to bring a second document proving the name connection. Bring both documents at once to avoid a second trip.

Do not assume that changing your address online updates your vehicle registration. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Georgia Department of Revenue, either online or by mail. Failing to do so can result in registration renewal notices being sent to your old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within Georgia?

No, there is no legal requirement to change your address by a specific date. However, it is standard practice to update it within 30 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address can cause problems during traffic stops, with insurance claims, and when renewing your registration or license.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. The office will update your address and may ask whether you want to renew your license at the same time.

How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?

The replacement card is mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days after you pay the $20 fee at a DDS office. During that time, your old card remains valid for driving and identification purposes.

What if I changed my address online but want a new card with the updated address?

Visit any DDS office with your current license and pay the $20 replacement fee. The office will print a new card on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the location. Bring your license and a form of payment.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration when I change my address on my license?

Yes, your vehicle registration is a separate record. You must update it through the Georgia Department of Revenue online, by mail, or in person. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration.